License Plate Renewal in Connecticut

1. How often must license plates be renewed in Connecticut?


License plates in Connecticut must be renewed every two years.

2. What documents do I need to renew my license plates in Connecticut?


In order to renew your license plates in Connecticut, you will need the following documents:
1. Your current registration certificate
2. A completed CT-VR-18 form
3. Payment for the registration fee
4. Proof of insurance if you are renewing a vehicle with existing plates
5. Vehicle emissions test results if your vehicle is required to have one.

3. What is the fee to renew license plates in Connecticut?


The fee to renew license plates in Connecticut is $80 for a passenger vehicle and $21 for a motorcycle. This fee must be paid in addition to the registration fee.

4. How do I renew my license plates online in Connecticut?


You can renew your license plates online in Connecticut through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. The DMV offers an online service, called E-Pay, which allows you to renew your license plates with a credit or debit card. You can also renew your plates by mail or in-person at your local DMV office.

5. What is the process for replacing stolen or lost license plates in Connecticut?


The process for replacing stolen or lost license plates in Connecticut is as follows:
1. File a police report – You must file a police report before you can replace your license plates.
2. Contact the DMV – After filing the police report, you must contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain replacement license plates.
3. Submit an application and payment – You will then need to submit an Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (Form B-86), along with the applicable fee.
4. Receive and install your new license plates – The DMV will issue you new license plates after processing your application and payment. You will need to install them on your vehicle within 15 days of receiving them.

6. Is there a grace period for renewing expired license plates in Connecticut?


No, there is not a grace period for renewing expired license plates in Connecticut. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, “once your registration has expired, there is no grace period and you are no longer legally authorized to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. You may be stopped by law enforcement and be issued a ticket for operating with an expired registration.”

7. What special license plates are available in Connecticut?


Connecticut offers a variety of special license plates, including plates for veterans and military members, special interest and causes, support organizations, alumni, professional organizations, and personalized plates.

8. Are there any discounts available for license plate renewal in Connecticut?


Yes. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers discounts to qualifying military personnel and senior citizens, as well as a 25 percent discount for renewals made online.

9. Does Connecticut require emissions testing as a part of license plate renewal?


No, Connecticut does not require emissions testing as part of license plate renewal.

10. How do I transfer a vehicle’s license plate to another vehicle in Connecticut?


To transfer a license plate from one vehicle to another in Connecticut, you must have the following documents:
1. The current registration certificate
2. The title certificate for the vehicle that the plate is being transferred from
3. A completed Application for Registration and Title (form H-13B)
4. A completed Request for Plate Transfer (form H-18)
5. Payment for all applicable fees
Once you have gathered the required documents, you must take them to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office to complete the transfer.

11. Are personalized license plates available in Connecticut?


Yes, personalized license plates are available in Connecticut. The fee for a personalized plate is $80.

12. Does Connecticut offer a military discount on license plate renewal fees?


Yes, Connecticut offers a military discount on license plate renewal fees for active duty military members.

13. Is there a late fee when renewing expired license plates in Connecticut?


Yes, there is a late fee of $25 for renewing expired license plates in Connecticut.

14. What forms of payment are accepted for license plate renewal in Connecticut?


In Connecticut, license plate renewal can be paid for with credit cards, debit cards, checks, or money orders. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles also has the option to pay with cash at certain DMV offices.

15. Does the DMV accept credit cards for payment of license plate renewal fees in Connecticut?


Yes, most Connecticut DMV offices accept credit cards for payment of license plate renewal fees.

16. Are there any programs that allow seniors to obtain discounts on their license plate renewal fees in Connecticut?


Yes, Connecticut offers a program that allows seniors to receive discounts on their license plate renewal fees. The program is called the Senior Citizen Discounted Plate Program. It is available to Connecticut residents who are age 65 or older and have a Connecticut driver’s license. To qualify for the program, seniors must meet certain eligibility requirements and obtain a special discounted license plate from the state DMV.

17. How do I add a decal to my license plates in Connecticut?


In Connecticut, you may purchase and display a single license plate decal from the DMV. The decal must be displayed on the lower right-hand corner of the license plate. The decal must be an officially issued decal from the Connecticut DMV and may not be from any other source. The decal is available for a fee.

18. What is the process for transferring ownership of a vehicle and renewing the license plates in Connecticut?


The process for transferring ownership of a vehicle in Connecticut and renewing the license plates is as follows:

1. Gather the documents needed to transfer ownership, including the title or bill of sale, current registration, and valid identification.

2. Visit your local Connecticut DMV office and submit the documents for review.

3. Pay all applicable fees, including the transfer fee, title fee, and registration fee.

4. Receive your new license plates and registration.

5. Keep your new registration in a safe place for future reference.

19. How do I register a vehicle purchased from another state in Connecticut?


To register a vehicle purchased from another state in Connecticut, you must first obtain a release of lien from the previous state. You will then need to bring the title, registration, proof of insurance, and an odometer disclosure statement to a local CT DMV office. You will need to bring the appropriate documents to prove your identity and residency. After submitting these documents and paying the required fees, you will be issued a Connecticut title and registration for your vehicle.

20. Does Connecticut offer temporary or short-term license plates?


Yes, Connecticut offers temporary license plates. These plates are typically valid for one or two months, depending on the purpose. Temporary plates are required for vehicles that have been purchased and registered in Connecticut for the first time or have had a change in ownership. They are also required for vehicles leased from a dealership.